So, you’ve decided to hire a car in Europe—excellent choice. There’s just something about having the freedom to pull over whenever you spot a castle, a vineyard, or a ridiculously cute village with better pastries than your entire postcode. I’ve road-tripped across Europe more times than I’ve upgraded my phone, and let me tell you: it’s as dreamy as it looks on Instagram. But (and this is important), driving in Europe isn’t quite the same as driving at home.
There are a few key things you really need to know before you collect your rental car, fire up Google Maps, and cruise into the sunset. From understanding local driving laws to sorting out Car Hire Insurance for Europe, here’s your.
First Things First: Can You Drive in Europe with a UK Licence?
The good news? If you’ve got a full UK driving licence, you’re good to go in most European countries. That includes the EU, plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. You usually won’t need to apply for anything extra.
But—yes, there’s always a “but”—if your licence is one of those old-school paper versions (shoutout to the OG drivers), or you’re heading to a country that doesn’t recognise UK licences, you might need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Some countries outside the EU require one just to rent or drive a car.
Quick tip: You can pick up an IDP from most UK Post Offices for around £5.50, and it’s valid for one to three years depending on the type. Cheap insurance for peace of mind if you ask me.
Are There Age Limits for Renting a Car in Europe?
Yep. Most rental companies ask drivers to be at least 21 and to have held a licence for at least a year. If you’re under 25, brace for the dreaded young driver surcharge—a slightly rude but common extra cost that varies by company and country.
On the flip side, if you're over 70 or 75, some rental firms may also add restrictions or ask for extra documents. It’s totally possible to rent at that age (my aunt drove across Portugal at 74 and crushed it), but you might need to dig around for the right provider.
Moral of the story? Always read the fine print when booking. Rental car rules can be wildly different depending on where you are. What flies in France might fall flat in Croatia.
Driving Laws in Europe: What You Need to Know
Here's where things get a little less sexy but a lot more important. Driving in Europe means dealing with country-specific laws—and some of them are very specific. Here's a quick roundup of the most common rules that apply to most European countries:
- Drive on the right (unless you're in Ireland, Malta, or Cyprus).
- Seat belts are mandatory for everyone, front and back.
- Mobile phone use is a no-go unless you’re hands-free.
- Headlights on during the day? Yep, in countries like Italy and much of Scandinavia.
- Speed limits change when it rains in places like France (seriously).
- Alcohol limits are lower than in the UK. In some places, it’s zero tolerance. Like, none.
Police in many countries have the power to issue on-the-spot fines, and some even carry mobile card machines. So yes, technically your road trip could include contactless payments for breaking the law. Let’s avoid that.
Required Equipment: What Should Be in Your Rental Car?
This bit always surprises first-timers: European countries often require specific safety gear in your car. If you're renting, the car should come with this stuff—but don’t assume. Check before you drive off.
Here’s what might be required:
- Reflective jackets (yep, one for each passenger)
- Warning triangle
- Headlamp beam deflectors (if your car has UK-style lights)
- First-aid kit (required in Austria and others)
- Breathalyser (technically required in France, but not heavily enforced)
- Spare bulbs
Failing to have this kit can get you fined during a routine check, and it’s honestly just safer to have it anyway.
What’s the Deal with Tolls and Emissions Zones?
Toll roads are a staple of European driving, especially in France, Switzerland, and Italy. Some countries use electronic vignettes (stickers), others have pay booths or mobile apps. Occasionally, your rental car will already have a toll device installed—handy, but check if there are extra fees attached.
Now let’s talk Low Emission Zones (LEZs) and Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZs). These are becoming increasingly common in major cities like Paris, Milan, and Barcelona. They’re designed to reduce pollution, which is great—unless you accidentally drive into one without registering or paying.
Top tip: Always check your route before you enter a big city. And if you’re unsure, ask the rental desk. They shouldknow, even if the answer is “not our problem.”
Insurance: What Do You Actually Need?
Most European rentals include third-party liability insurance as a legal requirement. This covers damage to other vehicles and people—but not to the car you’re driving. So if you, say, misjudge the width of an alley in Seville and scratch the door (no judgment), you could be on the hook for hundreds or even thousands of euros.
That’s where car hire insurance for Europe comes in. The rental desk will usually offer you something called a Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW) to reduce your excess (aka, the amount you’d have to pay if there’s damage or theft). But heads up: it can cost £15–£20 per day, and it often excludes things like tyres, roof, undercarriage, and windscreens.
Honestly? You’re often better off buying a standalone excess insurance policy before your trip. It’s cheaper, more comprehensive, and doesn’t pressure you into a snap decision at the counter.
How Gigasure Can Help
At Gigasure, we’ve done the whole “rental car roulette” enough times to know what actually matters. Our car hire excess insurance for Europe is built to take the stress out of your drive—so you can focus on the scenic bits, not the small print.
Here’s what you get with Gigasure:
- Cover for damage to tyres, bodywork, roof, windscreen, and undercarriage
- Up to £10,000 in excess protection
- Collision Damage Waiver cover up to £75,000 in select countries
- Cover for lost rental car keys up to £500
- App-based claims that don’t make you want to scream into a baguette
In other words? You drive. We’ve got your back.
Final Thoughts (and One More Coffee for the Road)
Driving in Europe is absolutely worth the prep. Yes, there are rules and quirks, but the trade-off is freedom. Freedom to take the scenic route, make spontaneous stops, and see the places you’d never reach by train.
Pack your licence, double-check your rental agreement, download the offline maps, and stock up on snacks. Because the best kind of road trip is the one where you’re prepared—but also completely open to detours. Especially the kind with wine tastings and clifftop views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Europe?
Not always! If you have a full UK photocard licence, you're usually fine in most European countries. But if your licence is paper-only or you're heading somewhere that doesn’t recognise UK licences (like some Balkan countries), it’s worth getting an IDP—cheap, easy, and saves hassle.
What’s included in standard car hire insurance in Europe?
Most rentals come with third-party liability insurance, which covers damage to other people and vehicles—but not to your own rental. To avoid paying a massive excess if something goes wrong, you’ll need to either buy the rental company's add-on insurance or get separate car hire excess insurance (Gigasure, for example, offers more for less!).
Can I drive across borders with a European rental car?
In many cases, yes—but always check with your rental provider first. Some countries and rental firms require special documentation or charge extra fees. And don’t forget: tolls, emissions zones, and speed limits change from one country to the next.
Are Low Emission Zones (LEZs) something I actually need to worry about?
If you're driving into major cities like Paris, Rome, or Amsterdam—yes. LEZs can come with fines if you don’t register or meet the emissions criteria. Some rental cars are already compliant, but it’s still on you to check the local rules before driving in.
